In our Layout Guides series you’ll find layout ideas and solutions for rooms of all shapes and sizes. This week we take on the challenge of designing a narrow living room to work for lounging and entertaining.

Narrow Living Room Layout Ideas

The Space: A 12’ x 24’ narrow living room that gets lots of light and is the main spot for relaxing and entertaining.

The Challenge: Maximizing the small and narrow space to accommodate a comfortable sofa for lounging and watching TV. There also needs to be a dining area for entertaining, but the two spaces should feel distinct from each other.

Idea #1: The Laid-Back Lounge Layout

Layout idea #1 puts emphasis on a comfortable main living area with lots of small-space seating. The layout creates a lounge-y vibe inside the narrow living room and encourages conversation as well as TV watching. The design features lots of versatile pieces and can easily be rearranged for different uses. A compact dining set-up near the kitchen makes for a great spot for low-key entertaining with a few guests.

With this layout approach, entertaining is centered around the main sofa area while the mix of small space-friendly furnishings help create a cozy feel in the room.

Why It Works:

The custom sofa fits perfectly along the shorter wall and makes the most of the narrow living room.

The round table is perfect for the small dining area right by the kitchen counter. This layout creates a natural flow that’s great for hosting sit-down dinners.

There’s lots of extra versatile seating that can be moved around. The petite side chairs by the windows are easy to rearrange and the poufs can even pinch-hit as footstools or cocktail tables.

It’s easy to create multiple focal points with art in the room’s different “zones.” Hang art and wall decor that go with each space and add major visual interest.

This is Great If You…

Like a space with a more laid-back seating area that’s conducive to conversation and cocktail gatherings.

Prefer a living space where the main focus isn’t always the TV.

Usually only have a few people over at a time and enjoy smaller gatherings and dinners.

Need a space that’s compact but flexible with versatile furnishings that are easy to move around and swap out over time.

See the layout in 360!

Idea #2: The Formal Entertaining Layout

Layout idea #2 takes lounging and entertaining into full consideration. Dedicated living and dining areas can comfortably accommodate a big crowd. The furnishings are arranged in a more formal manner with a very open flow that optimizes the narrow living room for TV viewing.

In this layout, the furniture setup gives the illusion that the space is larger than it seems since it includes a true dining space as well as a large TV console that fits perfectly across from the seating area.

Why It Works:

We arranged the sofa along the longer wall, which gives the seating area a roomier feel and a more open flow.

The large glass-top dining table seats six and provides a formal entertaining space in the apartment — even if it’s slightly farther away from the kitchen in this layout.

We positioned the TV console directly across from the seating area here, making the space perfect for movie nights and lots of Netflix binges with friends.

Fewer but larger pieces give the space a more decorated look and feel.

This is Great If You…

Are all about having friends over whenever you can for movie marathons and Bachelorette viewing parties.

Love long affair dinner parties that start with cocktails and move on to a multi-course meal.

Want a space that has a more grown-up aesthetic with investment pieces that have a timeless quality to them.

Like a space where everything has its designated place and purpose — but still looks stylish and uncluttered.

See the layout in 360!

Looking for layout ideas for your narrow living room?

In our Layout Guides series you’ll find layout solutions for rooms of all shapes and sizes. This week we take on the challenge of finding open living space layout ideas that work for a kid- and pet-friendly home.

Open Living Space Layout Ideas

The Space: A 18 x 20 open living space that gets lots of natural light and is the first space everyone walks into when they enter the home—which means it sees a lot of foot traffic.

The Challenge: Devising open living space layout ideas that are both kid- and pet-friendly. Don’t forget to include the fireplace and make sure the room can comfortably accommodate a big crowd for TV viewing.

Idea #1: The Open Flow Layout

Layout idea #1 focuses on a classic family-room setup. This layout makes the room feel open and encourages flow through the space. The furniture is arranged in a way that allows for comfortable TV viewing but also leaves floor space in between to accommodate lots of foot traffic (kids running around, pets lounging).

With this layout approach, it’s all about ease and versatility as well as working in lots of low, convenient storage.

Why It Works:

The sofa and chair combo makes for a cozy but casual arrangement with two different seating options. This pairing also leaves lots of open space in the living area that provides a nice flow.

The leather sofa makes for comfy seating that’s both kid- and pet-friendly—any spills can be easily wiped off. It also stands up to wear relatively well and ages with a nice patina over time.

A graphic outdoor rug used indoor in this living space provides a durable foundation that’s easy to clean in the event of wine spills, spaghetti mishaps from kids, and dirty paws.

No sharp corners on the round coffee table makes it the perfect kid-friendly centerpiece. It also has hidden storage compartments for remotes, tech gadgets, and any extra toys.

Striped woufs (poufs for pets) create a designated spot for pets. Even better that these floor pillows can easily be moved around as needed.

This is Great If You…

Are looking for a layout that is more laid-back with an easy flow that connects the space to the rest of home.

Want to have a fuss-free hub in the home where your family can gather all the time to watch TV and relax.

Enjoy entertaining and having friends and family over for low-key movie and game nights. This arrangement leaves you lots of floor space for people to gather and lay out casually.

Want a space where your kids and pets can easily move around and play.

See the layout in 360!

Idea #2: The Parallel Layout

Layout idea #2 opts for a more formal furniture arrangement that makes it more of a conversation space. Matching sofas are placed facing each other, giving the living space a more structured layout.

This layout approach is designed for a space that has timeless appeal and is meant to last for years to come. It also keeps the TV from becoming the main focus of the space.

Why It Works:

Two parallel sofas set this space up to be a conversation area with a formal layout that never goes out of style.

Sofas covered in kid-friendly fabric makes for pieces that not only look stylish, but are also practical and can stand the test of time. This makes them great investment pieces.

An indoor/outdoor rug ups the durability factor in this space. The pattern also helps keep the formal feel of the space.

See the layout in 360!

Looking for open living space layout ideas for your home?

Often the trickiest part of designing a space is finding the right layout. In our “Layout Guides” series you’ll find layout solutions for rooms of all shapes and sizes. From the square-shaped to the narrow to the just plain awkward, this is your one-stop shop for layout ideas that work.

If you’ve got a long and narrow room, you might feel like you’re stuck with only one layout option. And while it’s true that awkward spaces leave you with fewer design options, you’re far from out of luck! With a little planning, narrow spaces can have huge potential. This week see how we tackle a narrow family den with two clever and comfy layout ideas.

The Homeowners: A couple and their 9-month-old baby and family dog.

The Space: A 7×15 foot den that’s long and narrow with two walls of windows. It’s right off the entry, so it’s open on one side to the rest of the home.

The Challenge: Turning the long and narrow room into a comfortable and functional TV den that includes lots of seating and is kid- and pet-friendly. The catch: The TV only fits on one wall.

Idea #1: The Tucked-Away TV Layout

If you don’t want Netflix binging to be the only thing you do in the space, use the long and narrow room to your advantage. Don’t stress about making the TV the focal point. Instead, create a space that’s perfect for reading, snuggling, and relaxing.

No one can say no to a large and comfy sectional, right? This one fits the long and narrow space to a T, giving the you extra seating galore!

If you enjoy winding down with a good book, glass of wine, or your favorite TV show, try this layout on in your space!

Why It Works:

The sectional perfectly fits the dimensions of the room, giving it an extra-cozy feel.

Instead of a coffee table, two poufs serve double-duty as footrests and extra seating.

There’s room to tuck in small side tables, which make up for the missing coffee table.

This Is Great If You…

Like to spend time catching up on your favorite TV shows, but don’t want to make it too easy to fall into a day-long binge session.

Like to host casual game nights for a big crowd.

See the layout idea #1 in 360!

Idea #2: The TV Viewing Layout

If you want a space that’s the real TV-viewing deal, face your sofa towards the TV. Because the room is so narrow, we swapped the sectional for a petite sofa that fits opposite the TV.

This swap turns our long and narrow room into a spacious gathering space. It’s great for watching TV and movies as well as hosting game nights or drinks for friends. There’s also a lot of flexibility to move furnishings around or bring in a few extra chairs.

Why It Works:

Tucking away the sofa keeps the space feeling open and airy.

The TV and the sofa make direct eye contact, which is the optimal layout for watching movies.

A round coffee table with hidden storage is both functional and kid-friendly.

The poufs make comfy footrests, but can also serve as places to put down a drink.

This Is Great If You…

Want a layout that’s flexible — practice yoga, curl up with a book, and host friends for drinks all in this space.

Enjoy entertaining small and large groups and need room for people to move around.

Need a kid-friendly space with storage for all their toys.

Don’t want to get a neck cramp while watching your favorite Tv shows!

See the layout idea #2 in 360!

Need help finding the best layout for your long and narrow room?

Often the trickiest part of designing a space is finding the right layout. In our “Layout Guides” series you’ll find layout solutions for rooms of all shapes and sizes. From the square-shaped to the narrow to the just plain awkward, this is your one-stop shop for layout ideas that work.

The Homeowners: A couple with a two-year-old son.

The Space: A 22’ x 25’ open living space used everyday and for everything.

The Challenge: Designing a kid-friendly space that’s also stylish, and figuring out what couch/seating layout would work best for the space – a sofa or sectional.

Idea #1: The Conversation Ring Layout

Layout idea #1 opts for a sofa with extra chairs sprinkled all around. The space feels more decorated is perfect for entertaining and conversation. This layout also helps shift the focus away from the TV as the main feature of the room.

Why It Works:

The sofa is perfect for low-key family nights but it can still easily accommodate lots of guests when entertaining.

Pulling in standalone chairs makes for a flexible layout. Easily reconfigure your layout for game night or pull a chair to another room in your home as needed.

The sofa frees up a lot of walking room in and around the seating area.

A round table checks the box for a super kid-friendly centerpiece.

This Is Great If You…

Enjoy having people over for drinks and conversation as opposed to movie marathons.

Prefer a living room that’s more open and has a slightly formal and designed look to it.

Want a living space that doesn’t revolve around TV-watching.

See the layout idea #1 in 360!

Idea #2: The Viewing Corner Layout

Layout idea #2 opts for a sectional. This helps to define the living area as a cozy corner where you can totally lounge out. the sectional also helps turn the space into a TV lounge area with a casual atmosphere.

Why It Works:

The sectional helps clearly delineate the seating area from the rest of the space, making it feel like a room within a room.

A huge tiered coffee table provides practical storage space for you to stash remotes and other tech gadgets out of sight.

The bigger the sectional the more pillows you can have. Pile them on for lots of cushy support!

This layout factors in lots of extra lighting as well, which means you can set the mood as needed.

This Is Great If You…

Want to have a clearly defined living space that doesn’t face the entry area.

Mainly use your living space for watching TV and movies with family and friends.

Enjoy a more laid-back and relaxed living room where you can lie down and stretch out your legs.

See the layout idea #2 in 360!

Need help finding the best layout for your space?

Often the trickiest part of designing a space is finding the right layout. In our “Layout Guides” series you’ll find layout solutions for rooms of all shapes and sizes. From the square-shaped to the narrow to the just plain awkward, this is your one-stop shop for layout ideas that work.

The Space: A 150-square-foot bedroom that is square-shaped with seemingly limited furniture arrangement and design possibilities.

The Challenge: Creating a layout design for a boxy bedroom that can accommodate a queen-sized bed, dressing area, and work space with a custom desk. All while keeping the room from feeling overcrowded or dorm-like.

Idea #1: The L-Shaped Layout

Layout idea #1 uses what we call the L-shaped arrangement where furniture is lined up along two walls of a square bedroom. This creates a cozy corner, opens up the rest of the room, and makes the space feel less boxy.

This approach is about maximizing storage and vertical space to balance the unfurnished half of the room.

Why It Works:

The bed does not face face the door, which creates walking room and a nice flow. This layout follows the rules of good bedroom feng shui.

The desk by the door is the ultimate multipurpose piece. It functions as a catchall for keys and random little things, a work surface for sending emails, and a vanity for getting ready.

Mini dressers as nightstands give you lots of extra storage for books, sheets, and blankets.

Placing a bookcase in the corner makes use of vertical space for storage and takes up very little floor space.

This Is Great If You…

Are looking to design a guest room that’s more grown-up feeling. This arrangement gives the space a hotel-like look and feel.

Share this bedroom with another person. The layout provides enough storage and functions for two.

See the layout idea #1 in 360!

Idea #2: The Long Layout

Layout idea #2 is all about a sectioned approach that clearly defines sleep and work areas.

Add a sense of spaciousness to the room by lining up the bed and the desk in a row along the same wall. This also helps create good flow as soon as you walk in the door.

In this layout, there’s not a lot of storage space, but also a dedicated office area that makes the room feel like a functional live/work studio space.

Why It Works:

The desk tucked away in the corner makes a stylish office corner. This placement also takes advantage of the natural light from the window right above.

There’s more room for a nice comfy chair. It can be pulled up as a desk chair or moved and used as a reading chair anywhere in the room.

You definitely get more open floor space in with this layout since it keeps one side open with lots of walking room.

This Is Great If You…

Want a studio that has distinct spaces for all your activities, rather than feeling like one open room.

Don’t need a lot of space to host people in your studio apartment.

Live with a partner and want a space where you can cohabitate with a little more privacy and space to do your own thing.

See the layout idea #2 in 360!

Need help finding the best layout for your space?

Often the trickiest part of designing your space is finding the right layout. In our “Layout Guides” series you’ll find layout ideas for any space – from the square-shaped to the narrow to the just plain awkward. In this installment, we’re exploring all the stylish ways to arrange a living space with a piano.

Believe it or not, finding the right spot to place a piano in a living room is a common design dilemma our customers face. We totally get why! If you have a piano, chances are it’s either being used by you or your family regularly in a shared public space, or it holds some sentimental or personal meaning for you that makes it hard to get rid of.

Regardless of how often you play your piano, there’s no denying that it’s a substantial piece that can really only work in a few spots – or at least it might seem that way. We’re here to help show you otherwise.

Take a peek below for some inspiring ways to arrange (or rearrange) your space to accommodate a piano.

For a Pass-Through Living Room

If you’re living in a single-floor house or a home that has a series of small rooms, you might find yourself working with a square-shaped, pass-through living space that requires you to make use of every inch. Add in a substantial piece, like a piano, and it can get a little challenging to make everything fit.

Layout Idea #1: Symmetrical and Focused

If you’re working with an upright piano that needs to go against a wall, make it the focal point in your square living room. Think of it almost as a stand in for a fireplace. This then lets you arrange the rest of your furniture symmetrically around it. You might think it sounds crazy to design a room around a piano, but in this case it can be a super stylish and space-saving approach.

Best For:If you like to play music for guests while entertaining, this lets you listen and lounge in total comfort. Also great if you’re a family of musicians that enjoys taking turns playing tunes.

Layout Idea #2: Cornered and Composed

This approach is probably the most common when you’re working with an upright piano. By placing it flush against two walls in a corner, the piano doesn’t interfere with the flow of the rest of a square room but is still easily accessible. It’s a great way to carve out a perfect little practice area.

Best For:If you have little ones who are learning the piano and your home sees a lot of foot-traffic and commotion. This keeps your space open.

Layout Idea #3: Grand and Balanced

With a grand piano, try making room for it by dividing your space into two areas down the middle: One side for lounging, one side with just the grand piano, which instantly becomes a statement and sculpture in the room. This is also a great way to play up a formal vibe in a small space – who doesn’t love getting cozy next to a grand piano, right?

Best For:If you have a grand piano that you want to show off in a fancy way.

For a Long and Narrow Living Room

A common room shape for apartments and city townhouses, you’ll find that these elongated spaces often have to serve multiple needs (living and entertaining, impromptu work area, TV spot) with tight square footage to work with. With a piano in the picture, some smart maneuvering is definitely required.

Layout Idea #1: Keep It on the Sidelines

Many long living rooms end up having only one source of natural light from windows at the very far end of the space. This might be the best spot for setting up an upright piano if you need your space to function as an all-in-one living and gathering spot where you’ll be spending time watching TV or hosting friends and drink nights. This approach keeps the piano off to the side but it helps to anchor the room as it’s the first thing you’ll see.

Best For:If you like jamming out with friends but have a catch-all space that’s used for everything.

Layout Idea #2: Blend It into the Decor

Why not simply make your upright piano a part of your living room decor by arranging it as you would a piece of furniture. By placing the piano opposite your sofa and adding chairs on both side, it immediately feels like a natural component in the room. We especially love how this also opens up room for a work desk. Talk about multipurpose!

Best For:If you’d rather play some ballads than watch TV. Or if your piano is an heirloom that you want to incorporate as a part of your daily life. This layout idea gives it the attention it deserves.

Layout Idea #3: Set It Up Like a Stage

Place a grand piano at the end of a long room to give it a performance-stage-like set up that immediately makes your space feel polished and pulled together. We like to think of this as the high-low approach, where you can easily have people over for both movie night as well as a piano performance (even at the same time!).

Best For: If you’re a serious pianist who also loves having people over for recitals. If you ask us, we love a good sing-a-long hangout!

For a Large and Open Living Room

Often these open living spaces with a fireplace are found in family homes and multi-story houses. But just because you have more space to work with doesn’t mean finding the right spot for a piano is any easier.

Layout Idea #1: Put Baby (Grand) In a Corner

Arrange your furniture to face one corner and put your grand (or baby grand) there so that it becomes the sculptural spotlight in the room. This set-up guarantees that your piano will be the centerpiece in the room. And whether you use it often or not, it’s bound to add intrigue and balance to your space.

Best For: If you have a formal sitting room where you like to host formal cocktail parties. Also, this is great if you have an eclectic mix of furnishings in a big space; the piano will help unify everything.

Layout Idea #2: Use It For a Vignette

If you’d rather your grand piano be off to the side as opposed to part of the room as much, try to create a vignette with it as the centerpiece. Hang art on the walls around it and pull in few tall plants to make it a visually stimulating spot all on its own.

Best For:If your piano is more for display than use.

Layout Idea #3: Make It Double as Display

Don’t forget that your piano can have uses beyond being just making music. That’s particularly true for upright pianos, which can also hold art on top. In a big space, try thinking of it as you would a bookshelf and slipping it into a corner with favorite art placed above it.

Best For:If your living room is for casual hangouts where you like to turn out some tunes.

In our “Layout Guides” series you’ll find layout solutions for rooms of all shapes and sizes. Often the trickiest part of designing a space, finding the right layout for your room can be a challenge. We will feature a variety of rooms – from the square, to the narrow, to the just plain awkward – outfitted with two different layouts that work.

If you’ve ever lived in a studio apartment, you know that while space may be limited, your design possibilities are not. This week we tackle two layouts for a square-shaped studio with an open floor plan.

Explore the two studio apartment layout ideas below and steal a few ideas for your own studio apartment!

The space:A 450 square foot studio apartment with a corner kitchen and two walls of windows.

The Challenge:Designing a layout that included a desk, space for TV viewing, and dining area, all while maximizing the usability of the space to make it feel open and uncluttered.

Idea #1: The Open Layout

Layout idea #1 is all about creating flow inside our studio apartment, making the space feel open, airy, and uncluttered. This setup is great for those who like to entertain and have people over often.

Why It Works:

The furniture hugs the walls, maximizing open space to create a layout that emphasizes good flow.

The bistro table for two in the kitchen separates the dining area from the rest of the space. This is also a great way to combat a lack of counter space (a not uncommon problem in small spaces), as the table can double as a kitchen island.

The bench stands in for a coffee table, but can also double as extra seating when guests come over.

A triple threat, the bookcase provides extra storage, acts as a room divider, and gives privacy to the bed area.

This Is Great If You…

Love to entertain and host small and large gatherings in your space.

Live alone or don’t need a studio apartment layout that maximizes privacy.

Hate clutter – there’s nowhere to stash a mess in this layout.

Want to take advantage of a layout that maximizes extra space – for yoga, dancing, or any other activity that requires a little extra breathing room.

See the layout idea #1 in 360!

Idea #2: The Zoned Layout

By using furniture to section off – or “zone” – spaces, this studio apartment layout makes each distinct area feel like its own room. The best part is that the bed is totally tucked away in a cozy corner that feels secluded from the rest of the space.

Why It Works:

“Floating” the sofa in the middle of the room helps divide the space into distinct areas, like living/dining, bedroom and office.

Place the dining area by the windows to create a sunny breakfast nook vibe.

Tuck the bed away behind the desk area, to create a separate space with more privacy.

Plop the sofa directly across from the wall-mounted TV to make Netflix binges more convenient and comfortable.

This Is Great If You…

Want a studio that has distinct spaces for all your activities, rather than feeling like one open room.

Don’t need a lot of space to host people in your studio apartment.

Live with a partner and want a space where you can cohabitate with a little more privacy and space to do your own thing.